Mailboats - Orkney

This page was last updated on the 13th of June 2008. For all the latest pictures and scribblings, use this link to View the Creative Process.

John Aberdein - Poet

John Aberdein has stories in The Can-Can, ken? (Clocktower, 1996), Ahead of its Time (ed. Duncan McLean, Jonathan Cape, 1997), and all three volumes arising from the Scotsman/Orange Short Story Competition (North, Secrets, Work, Polygon, 2004-6). Part of his translation of Moby Dick was published in the New Shetlander and various poems were published through the years in OAR, Orkney Arts Review (ed. Alistair Peebles).

His novel Amande's Bed (Thirsty/Argyll, 2005) won the Saltire First Book of the Year award.

Frances Pelly - Artist

"I have been a practising sculptor since graduating in 1970 and greatly value my traditional training which gave me a wide range of skills.

Work comprises my own sculpture, much drawing, collaborative work with other artists, poets and writers and public and private commissions for sculpture and hand lettercutting.

I love working with my hands using natural materials and since coming to live close to the sea, twenty years ago, have acquired an instinct for incorporating flotsam and jetsam into many pieces."

Frances is a member of Hansel Cooperative Press. You can view Frances's profile here.

View the Creative Process

13th June 2008 - Frances

Last record of making of mailboat...sea trials..turned turtle, so had to add float...now lists to port or starboard! Back to the drawing board.

View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress'

24th May 2008 - Frances

Getting there...just the memory stick to complete, the bouancy foam to pump inside, the canvas to seal & deck to fix down! Its taking over my life!

View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress'

19th May 2008 - Frances

Some more pics

View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress' View a picture of the 'Work in Progress'

18th April 2008 - Frances

Vessel for John Aberdein's poem based on Inuit canoe used by John Rae